Faulkner County pursues state grants for courthouse and museum, approves appropriation for renovations

The Faulkner County Quorum Court voted to pursue state grants for courthouse and museum repairs and approved an amended appropriation to cover additional renovation expenses.

County Judge Dobson asked the court to authorize applications for two grant programs aimed at reducing the county’s share of costs for needed courthouse plumbing and accessibility work and for repairs and exhibits at the Faulkner County Museum. The court also amended and approved an appropriation ordinance to add funding for above‑bid items in the courthouse project, including upgraded audio, furniture and courtroom fixtures.

The court adopted resolutions authorizing the county judge to apply for an Arkansas Community Assistance Grant and an Arkansas Community Development grant opportunity that the county administrator described as time‑sensitive. County Administrator Randy Higgins said the grant applications would cover about 80% of the courthouse basement repairs and roughly 80% of a proposed $762,000 museum project if awarded; the county would need to provide the remaining 20% as matching funds. Higgins said some donated design work and in‑kind services would be counted toward the grant match for the museum application.

Higgins told the court he and a contracted grant administrator have identified a portfolio of grant opportunities and advised concentrating on the two with imminent deadlines. He said the county initially budgeted for an in‑house grant administrator but paused hiring and contracted short‑term with a grant advisor while the county builds internal capacity. "We think probably what that evolves to is a liaison from inside county government working with a contractor," Higgins said.

The court amended appropriation ordinance 25‑20 to correct an equipment line item and to add roughly $150,000 in ARP funds for items excluded from the base renovation bid: an upgraded sound system, new furniture and judge’s chamber furniture. County Administrator Higgins and the project team told the court the added funds will help close out change orders and finish remaining work not covered by the original contract.

The appropriation amendment was placed back on the table, amended to correct a copying error (machinery and equipment increased to $161,071.91) and then passed by roll call. The court’s recorded vote on the appropriation was unanimous among those voting.

Why it matters: Court officials said the grants and the appropriation reduce the county’s direct capital outlay for building repairs and help preserve county‑owned assets, notably the museum building and courthouse functionality.

Supporters and next steps: Higgins said the museum board actively engaged with the county and that Navholz (design donor) provided materials counted toward the grant match. If the county’s applications are successful the judge will return to the court with the required matching‑fund requests and contract approvals for project execution.